Keep In Touch

Audio: J Dilla x Waajeed "Crushin" [Unreleased Original Version]

Another Dilla exclusive from Waajeed‘s Bling47 site, which is proving to be an invaluable treasure trove of donuts and related material. This time we get an unreleased original version of “Crushin'” from Ruff Draft, produced by Jeedo himself. Here’s what he said:

Today’s stream is of the original version of, “Crushin” produced by me. We have J Rocc to thank for this one. I was DJing with Houseshoes in San Fran with Fran Boogie and DJ Mr. E. We heard J Rocc was staying in the same hotel and went to holla at him. We were talking about Dilla rarities when he said that he liked that version of, “Crushin” I did. I was like what version!?! He played it and it split my melon! I did that beat for Dilla circa 2002 for his MCA project – I assumed he never used it when I didn’t hear anything. Turns out it was the original version that he later remixed himself for his then newly founded label, Mummy Records.

This is actually one of my favorite Dilla songs, mostly because it highlights the fact that rap’s most sophisticated, avant guarde producer/composers was also one of it’s greasiest and underrated MC’s. It’s kind of like Beanie Siegel and DJ Premier were the same person–or maybe Ghostface and Madlib? Anyway, Jeedo’s jazzy, static-y beat only amplifies that dual personality feeling, making this an essential addition to the Dilla canon. Listen below and cop Ruff Draft via Stones Throw.